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meet at china border 1st june 2008
Hello there,
We're looking for at least a couple more riders to join up to make this cut across China, with proper paperworks, etc. If schedule fits up for anyone going that way and needing more info, feel free to contact me or Ken for more details. Sheen |
Return Trip
Hi All
Have now got return rates for flying bike back to the UK from Bangkok, price includes flying with Lufthansa to Manchester. Admin Fee Handling charge Truck charge ( warehouse to airport) Fuel surcharge Tax Airfare Total cost at present exchange rate in ₤630 for a bike of max weight 210 kilo's Ken:scooter: |
I'm up for crossing China with you guys and would pursue the stans/Russia/mongolia route. Where would you plan to enter China...? I'd be up for Tajikstan I guess, since that'll be the shortest route going down to Pakistan... would it not...
Let me know how this fits in for you. Othersise I guess I'd go to Vladivostok, and get the ferry and air freight to India... |
Shortest route
Hi Nick
The shortest route in the northern one and its also the cheapest as less visa's to get and you don't need a carnet, for going via Rumania, Moldova, Ukrain there is no visa requierment for UK citizens so only need Russia, Kazakstan and China and can get Laos visa on demand at chinese border same as Thai, if you need any further info please email and we can have a chat and if sheen agrees I can pass on his phone number. Regards Ken:scooter: |
Don't Slacken
Hi Boys and girls
What has happened to this thread its gone very quiet and its getting close to the off so come on and get things organised we need you ? Ken:scooter: |
I'm still on track. Flying into Heathrow on 4 May and train to Felixstowe. Picking bike up on 6 May and heading out.
Anyone joining us for the first part of the journey? Regards Mick |
Re soon off
Hi Ken, I will call you today, its taken me a few days to catch up and a good New Years party didn't help!!. I need to have a list of documents etc that Sheen will need to do the initial arrangements. I have to MOT my bike and arrange U.K. plates this week. I am not going to get a Carnet, as I see it there are no Carnet countries on or around the route, anyway will call you this morning and sort some details. Happy New Year all, I hope all ypur ideas are coming together and everything is progressing to plan. To those who are unsure about this trip...its become very very possible due in no small part to everyones efforts and hard work. It now seems through Sheens efforts a guide will be available and at a reasonable cost...the route to the Chineese border can be your own, just meet near the border on June 1st and pick up the guide..or cross before if you get lucky!! So lets have a heads up....whose still on track for a June 1st rendavous????
Have a good 2008 Jimmy |
just waiting
Hello Jimmy and all, bike's ready and right on track. Just some paperworks in the way. My route will take me to Istanbul around 3rd week of April. Wondering if anyone's around there at that time and interested to ride east from there into northern Iran and then up through Stans ??
B rgds, Sheen |
may come to china......
Hey guys,
I spoke to you Sheen just after xmas. Sorry I never got back to you as I said I would. Am still seriously considering joining you, and am trying to weigh up going thru CHina or India on a carnet... Like maybe some of you know I lived in India for 3 yeas, and would love to see more of it. Bypassing it into Loas pretty much rules India out for thi trip... I know time is tight for making a decision. Is there a 5th person if I'm in? The guy I'm riding with is hanging a left at China and going to Vladivostok, so it would just be me joining. Just wanted to update you on my situation. Nick |
Its time to stand up and be counted...where are you all
Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump apologise to the moderator.
Ok this thread has had god knows how many posts and been read zillions of times....I can't believe there isn't another person with the time money and sense of adventure to join us and make it economically sensible ( please save me from having to smuggle my bike into China!!!).. Incase you are not aware we are now at the stage where if you think you might like to go you have to stump up £60.00 and forward some details, that £60 buys you the option of going..the pasperwork has to be initiated now...should you decide not to go..youve lost £60. Should you decide not to stump up the £60 you've lost the opportunity and are condemned to a life time of if onlys. So come on stop dreaming start living!!! you only pass this way once!!! ( unless you have a hopeless sense of direction like me, in which case you will probably never pass it or even get close..So whose in?. Jimmy ( making sure I have something to tell the grandkids) |
I know for a definate i wont be prepared for that date. I really hope you find people for the spaces though. Good luck. Id love to do China.
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Chance of a life time
Hi Guy's
Where have you all gone, there was so many who wanted to go to China" well this is best and cheapest and also the legal way to do it and possibly the only way so come and join us for this once in a life time trip or just join for the China transit its only costing about 600 pounds and payable when in China except for 10% deposit by end January. All are welcome so please get in touch with Sheen who will take all your details and deposit, don't just read this and turn off, get of your backside and join us and if it's wine, women and song your after well this is the place where you'll get it ???. Ken :scooter: |
news
Hi Sheen
Do you have up to date news on Transiting China and what are the final cost's also Jimmy and I have now set our start date for Monday 21 April so anybody else who is coming should be ready by then. Ken:scooter: |
china crossing 1st june
to those watching this thread,
are there 2 more bikers out there thinking to join up to try to make it from khazakstan/kyrgystan across china exiting at laos as their plan A ?? we're now 3 riding that way. current chinese rules for motobikes says it'll process application from min. 5 riders as a group since there are a few chinese provinces to cut across. we like to give this ride a shot, and if you're the 2 more out there that can meet up at the chinese border around 1st june. a number of points are already on discussion, briefly route : entry by Torugart pass/Kashgar/Aksu/Kuqa/Turpan/Urumqi/Hami/Dunhuang/Lanzhou/Xian/Chengdu/Kunming/Mangla,exit Laos. - this route is not final and can be changed, just need to put them on paper at time of application. - agent prefers to use khazakstan crossing costs : 8750US$ for the group of 5 motorbikes, including permit, insurance, licence and vehicle plate, guide and driver with one car to accompany the whole trip. - each biker forks out approx 1750US$, or its equivalent euro 1200. - guide cum driver would lower down the cost, and a pickup van in case of problems. can't argue this case until there's 5 riders. application by agent : takes 3/4 months, 10% payment required at time of application with complete docs / details. - paperworks got to be initiated now. latest by end next week to decide. - while approval will be up to the chinese authorities, don't stand a chance if application is not submitted. seems the chance is fairly good. - balance payment after entry nobody said getting into china would be easy, or easily for free with a bike. anyone with serious queries to join up this trip can contact me at phone france +33-493086102 or PM me. b rgds, sheen |
Sheen & Ken
Hi Sheen, I've just spoke to ken about hooking up for the China leg, and I'm interested if I can work things out! My only concerns, as I mentioned to Ken was the timing? I'll need to have a look at a few things and give a definate answer yes or no within the week. Thanks again Ken and speak to you soon.
Dave :thumbup1: |
Uk, the China thing and on to Indonesia
Hi all,
This is an extremely inspiring and popular thread. I am very interested in the plans. From what I have read a great idea has really come to life. I would really like to join this group and to head out east. If I am right then there are still places available to get the documentation to get into and through China but all else before and after is fairly open. I am unable to commit one hundred percent right now but if it is possible for me to join the group then I can seriously consider. My bike will be going for uk legalisation procedures very soon and will need to make some panniers and get kit together before I am ready to leave the country. Will possibly be making a trip out to Spain in mid feb so can hook up in eup somewhere to join the main route. So Jimmy, Sheen and the others, if this is still open let me know and I can start pushing things forward for my part. Al |
join up soon
Hello Al, sounds pretty good. If Dave and yourself join up, we'll have the 5 riders. Since application via chinese agent takes 3/4 months, it needs to be firmed up v.soon. Agent requires all copies of scan docs, bike info, particulars, etc at time of application. Give me a call or email me at sheen.kua'at'gmail.com if you need more info.
How long will getting your bike uk legistation takes ?? by the way, i'll be island hopping indonesia as well. sheen |
So, back to the begining of this threat . . .
are any of you going to join PaulM and me from the start of our journey on 6 May? Our departure date is locked in, but everything we do as we amble eastwards is flexible. Cheers Mick |
Dates
Hi ken and Sheen... sorry to let you down guys but your dates are too tight for me. I called you Ken but got some kid told me your in Thailand?
If you had been entering China from mid to late June then it would of been cool. But not to worry, hopefully I can catch up with you Ken in Loas ot Thailand? Dave. PS. I'm still going to go through China and I've contacted a couple of tour agents, so like Ken and Sheen I'm looking for people who might be entering China around mid to late June. Below is a copy of an email I recieved from a known agent, not sure how much it will cost as yet, will keep you all posted. Dave. |
ooppps
Hi David thanks for you message
how many motorbike ? ,and enter Khorgas pass exit Vietnam ,Mohan or Mengla ? durations makes paper work quite complecate also we have to arrange whole trips guides and guide vehicles ,quit costy ,first I have to culculate and I,ll back to you soon Best regards Taher Kashgar New Land International Travel service tel:+86 998 2524505 fax:+86 998 2535277 |
Leave UK May, enter China July.
Hi all,
Sheen, I anticipate being road legal by the end of nxt wk, I will still need to sort out panniers. Mick, the departure date sounds good if I can join you and Paul. As i say, I cannot commit one hundred percent until I know what is happening with some other things. However, if all is well it may be possible for me to join a May departure and to join a China entry party with docs at or close before that time in order to make a July crossing. al |
May departure...
Hi Al,
Mick and I are leaving Dover 6th May on the evening speed ferry crossing to Boulogne. You'd be welcome to join us. We head through Germany, Czech, Slovakia, Hungry, Romainia, Ukraine and Russia before entering Kazakhstan. We go different directions from Almaty (Mick north, me south) Where do you plan to cross into China? Keep in touch. See you in Dover if you're interested. Cheers Paul |
hello all,
I now have a bike on the road and will be able to get an international licence soon. I still need to get some paniers made up but that shouldnt be a problem. If I was to book on the same ferry that would be cool, will i need to organise carnets ? Also, not sure where I would cross into China and it seems like getting the relevant documents to make the crossing could take some time and persuasion. Any info on how best to go about this would be most apreciated. regards alex |
keen to join
hi paulm,
i am keen to join your trip, i have just come to europe this week and was planning to get a bike and do some traveling. what sort of budget have you guys set for your trip? and what visas would i require? cheers, chris |
The Stans and other routes...
Hi Chris,
OK - at the moment, there are three of us on for the trip. Mick and Colleen from Oz and Jens from Germany. We'll 'assemble' around Ruetlingen (S.Germany) where Jens lives. Mick collects his bike from Harwich, UK on 6th May. We all ride through Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan. Mick heads north to re-enter Russia around Novosibersk and back to UK via The Baltic States. Jens and I travel together through Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan over The Pamir Highway and once into Uzbekistan, Jens heads north to meet up with another rider to continue to Mongolia and Vladivostok. I go through Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and back to UK through Turkey and Europe. So the choice is yours! Visas for an Aussie start at Ukraine. The budget is 'as cheap as possible'. We'll camp where we can. Hope this is of some use. e-mail if you need more information. Hope you can make it. Cheers Paul |
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Be safe! Gary Canada |
Uk Thailand ...
Hi all, I had sorted things out and was leaving with Ken late April. It now seems Ken cannot make it, my timing is flexible my only requirement I want to be in Thailand by Mid July, thats into China Mid June...does that fit with anyones current plans?.
Regards Jimmy |
Hi guys !
If there is anyone will stop in Istanbul on their trips, I will be more than happy to help you here. |
Getting there
Jimmy,
I have heard of some local riders leaving on a trip to Spain and possibly beyond leaving this August so will be keeping an ear out to see how that develops. Depending on how some other things pan out I may be able to leave with the others or perhaps before in April. What ever happens really looking forward to some international riding, this will be a first and very exciting. Al |
No Ken?
Hi Jimmy - we met at the northern mini meet last year.
We are on for leaving UK May 6th. (I leave on 5th to collect my Tajikistan visa from Brussels.) The riders are Mick and Collenn Tharme from Oz and Jens from Germany. We will be down into Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan mid/late June. Any use? Cheers Paul |
Hi Paul
Thanks for the reply I have been in touch with Sheen it seems he is going into China but not transiting into Loa the guides/tour operators said it was not possible. Is Bjorn still planning on entering China?. Anyone goping to Almaty early Mid June?
Regards Jimmy |
China
Hi Jimmy,
I believe that Bjorn is still planning on China - it would be best to pm him for his details. Cheers Paul |
just got into china
hello all, passed thru the khazak korgas crossing into china 3 days ago. Then the whole chinese administration decended on me. Incredible rules for foreign vehicules. But now got chinese driving license and can ride. Makes Turkmenistan entry looks easy. Going to make the loop to Kashgar and out via Pakistan.
Sheen By Bike to Malaysia |
Be careful
Jimmy, I can tell you do not want to hear from any naysayers, but I have to tell you that I have spent a lot of time in China and dealing with Chinese authorities can be somewhat of a "random" experience. Yes, you may "get into" the country on your own, but because one member of the security service lets you in, does not mean that another member cannot; A. kick you out, B. confiscate your bike. C. throw you into a Chinese prison should you be unlucky enough to have a serious accident. Trust me, I have a lot of experience there. They can deal you a heavy blow. Think about it.
Rich81 |
Just seen this thread and wanted to say Good Luck to all of you, it looks like it's going to be one hell of a trip. I've ridden in China before, you can get an Indian registered bike in via Nepal (in a group), but it's quite a big deal beaurocratically speaking. Well done for sorting it on your own!
I'll be following this with interest. |
Any rider now in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China ??
Wondering if anyone is out here as I've just arrived from a hot ride across the desert. Looking to go up into Pakistan this Sunday or beg. next week, if any rider is heading that way. Or any biker now on the KK ??
Sheen By Bike to Malaysia |
Missed you...
Must have missed you. Currently in Almaty and leaving for the Pamir today. Good luck to Jimmy and the crew from the northern meet last year.
Cheers Paul |
Enjoy the Pamirs!
Hi Paul,
Hope you'll enjoy the Pamirs. From what I've seen on pictures, it must be one amazing landscape & ride! Would be interested to hear what the petrol situation is like. Are you gonna take any spare fuel? What's your route? Straight between Murghab and Khorog, or are you gonna go past Ishkashim? All the best & Keep in touch! Bjorn |
uk to bangladesh
hi alex (alexpezzi)
it was interesting reading your log. We are planning to travel to bangladesh via turkey, iran, pakistan and india. we have seen in ur log that your taken similar route in your travels. We will be grateful if you can advice us, even better if you can email us information regarding your travels. look forward to hearing from you. thanks |
Hi Alex and welcome,
Many, many people travel this route, at least as far as India. I suggest you head to the Travellers' Stories link on the left, get yourself a drink and some snacks and start reading. You will find lots of interesting stories and info. Then, if you have specific questions, you should return here to the forum and ask them. Happy reading and have fun preparing your trip. |
Hello Guys!
Guys,
Alex how's your home-made pannier doing?:thumbup1: Jimmy remember if you hit Malaysia let me know:welcome: Im in KL.:palm: Lenny, I have your Indonesia Travel book waiting:clap: |
Hello All, I was just wondering how this trip went ? I was the guy who organised the first meeting in the Convent Garden pub with about 10 possible riders. Not sure how many made the trip, I didn't due to f*cking my knee (cartledge and ligaments in October '07), an opertation in Febuary and 10 months off work.
Now I've got itchy feet again, a garage full off bikes kitted and ready (well I had to do something with my enforced leisure) XT600z, XRV650 and R100gs. So slightly delayed I'm thinking of doing the UK-Stans-Mongolia-Russia-UK route or part of it. So any of you who did the trip do get in touch, it'd be good to hear what I missed out on. Brian.. |
I didn't make it. Went straight to India, gave up trying to get my bike shipped from Australia to Delhi and bought an Enfield 350 in Nepal. I was in India and Nepal for 4 months and it was great, but it wore me out. India's a hard place to do alone. I got back 12 days ago and need to save up for my next trip.
-Dave |
Thanks for that, I think there were about 20 going at one stage, various routes, would be good to hear who made it across the Chanel. I,ve noticed that Bjorn has posted a Mytube video of Kazakstan route on here, but other than that no idea where they got to.
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Brian, 3 of us are still on the road to Oz. Len, Bjorn and myself - though I started off from France. Separately we did the iran, central asia, china, kk route. Can confirm china is a pain to get in and out, and kk makes the china hassle worthwhile. May meet-up with Len somewhere Thailand in January.
Sheen By Bike to Malaysia |
Still going
Hi Guy's,
I met up with some of you guy's in Manchester and seen several of you on the road, I'm currently in Hampi in India, moving on to Nepal in March, then the rest of the world going east! Love, peace and happiness to you all! Graham |
update from Lenzzzzzzzz
Hi Guys ...
Have just clicked onto this thread after months and amazed to see it's still going. For those of you who are interested and still check Jimmy's thread out on occasions, along with a few of the original contributors have managed to make it as far as Thailand. I've missed out meeting with Sheen so far, but still hopeful we might meet in Malaysia before I head off for Indonesia. I spent a few months with Bjorn travelling through the Stans (tough conditions too), but with different routes for India we decided to go our separate ways in Pakistan. Jimmy didn't get to do the overland thing, but it sounds like he's having fun up in the North of the country somewhere anyway. Good on ya Jimmy for starting things off, it's been a hell of a ride so far! India was hard! The road conditions were at times difficult, but it was the traffic that had me in near constant fear of my life. I'd frequently get to the end of a days riding feeling I was lucky to be alive. No, seriously! I jest not!!! An hour of fighting the city traffic Chennai left me in as much of a mess as if I'd done 5 rounds with Mike Tyson. Maybe I'm a bigger wimp than I thought, as I don't think I'd take on an extended tour of that country again. Loved the food though ... The Stans were tough, but mostly road conditions and extreme temperatures. As an example the temperatures in Turkmenistan were often hitting mid 40's with we believe getting close to a searing 50 degrees for our desert ride north to Uzbekistan. I remember many difficult days (as Bjorn will testify who had to put up with my frequent whinging) in that part of the world, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. One genuine highlight was the first few days in Tajikistan, after meeting up with a group of Polish bikers. We had a great time together, the result of which was the U-tube vid' that Bjorn posted. Iran. What can I say? Some of the most hospitable people who would invite you to their homes at the drop of a hat. But then I thought the Tajik's were incredibly generous too and had a night's stopover with one family, the memory of which will stay with me for the rest of my life. They had very little, but gave us the best of what they had. It was a very humbling experience. There is so much more ... But will have to save it for my travel writing. Anyone who's interested in reading more, then ava'squizz at UK to Oz overland ... Be warned though, it's both wordy and way, way behind showing me to be still back in Central Asia. It seems a lifetime ago ... To close here; this is turning out to be a trip of so many dimensions, with me encountering things i could never have expected. It's not always been exotic and good fun, and sometimes as with India had me digging deep to find the will to go on. But having said that am so glad I made the decision to pull the plug on my old life in the UK. I really don't know what the coming year will bring, but this journey has become a true adventure. So thanks to the HUBB members who have given me such support, help and advice. Until I discovered the Horizon's Unlimited website, I thought I was a lone lunatic who wanted to ride half way around the world. Turns out I'm far from alone ... Anyway ... anyone in southern Thailand, Malaysia or Indoesia get in touch and maybe we meet up for a coldie. Lenzzzzzzzzzzzzzz |
Hello Len, glad to hear you had a good time out there. I think I received a few email blogs of your trip, thanks. I'm gutted I never got to go, knackered knee !! out of interest, roughly how much did the trip UK -Stans cost ? I'm still looking to head that way sometime. All the best to ya..
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I've been following ur blog and waiting for it to get upto date....hint hint ! |
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